“We understand that it’s not the legal obligation to protect students who live off-campus, but we do believe there’s more that they can be doing simply because they care about their students, whether they live on or off,” she added.

Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz said that public safety officers have already been patrolling areas off-campus near the school and noted that the school’s director of public safety used to be a chief with the Nassau County Police Department.

Also, a task force is being formed to work with the police, public safety, parents, and students to enhance safety in the area.